BART sees record ridership to SFO during Christmas week

BART's predictions that a record number of people would take BART to the new San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Station located in the International Terminal were right on target.

Between December 21 and December 27, 2005, almost 50,000 riders took BART to SFO. That's about 1,500 or 3.2% more riders than Christmas week last year, when BART also set a ridership record, and about 9,500 more people than 2003 ? the first year the SFO Station was open.

WHY THE RIDERSHIP INCREASE?BART officials attribute the increase in ridership to BART's low cost, high frequency service as well as its 95% passenger on-time record. Officials believe more people have discovered taking BART not only helps them avoid the Bay Area's gridlocked traffic, it also helps them save on the high costs of long-term parking and gas. In fact, beginning January 1, 2006, the average BART ride from Downtown San Francisco will cost $5.15. The average taxi ride costs between $27 and $37.

ABOUT THE SAN MATEO COUNTY EXTENSIONThe SFO Station is one of five stations along the San Mateo County extension. The Colma Station opened in 1996, the other four stations, South San Francisco, San Bruno, SFO and Millbrae opened in June 2003. SamTrans and BART jointly operate the extension. SamTrans is responsible for paying the extension's operating costs.